*Our family was given a year subscription in exchange for our honest opinion of Lightglider. All thoughts and opinions are honest and our own.
Is there a biblical alternative to gaming systems?
Yes, there is now! My kids love Xbox and I don’t love it as much as they do. We originally got it for several reasons. One, because Minnesota winters are long. Two, I thought with Mark having Lyme disease would allow him to do something fun with the kids that didn’t require very much physical energy. We could have traded it in for a Nintendo Switch, but my jury is still out on that one. One day as I was scrolling Facebook I saw an ad for Lightglider, I knew I had to check it out for more information.
Who created it?
A youth pastor who has the hearts and minds of kids in mind. Lightglider creator Zach Fay is a youth pastor who wanted to give kids a bible-based online game. A place they can be encouraged by scripture, have a wholesome online chat (which if you contact the company this feature can be turned off) and encourage prayer and reflection.
Why did they create it?
From the Lightgliders website,
“Why was Lightgliders created?
Lightgliders was created to impact kids in a way they’ll love!
Lightgliders was created to provide a safe, positive alternative for kids’ digital gameplay and screen time that can be used to encourage transformational conversations during the critical pre-teenage years. Lightgliders seeks to address the following realities:
- The Digital Generation – Digital experiences are shaping young lives as kids are spending hours each day in front of their devices.
- The Critical Younger Years – Fundamental perspectives on truth, morality, purpose, and faith are firmly in place before age 13.
- The Need for Conversations – Kids are greatly impacted by meaningful conversations with those who care about them the most.”
Lightgliders offers a fun way to encourage thought and discussion about what a biblical worldview is, how it credibly answers life’s most important questions, and how it substantiates positive values. Using digital fun, we hope to encourage biblical faith, positive values, and meaningful conversations among kids, families, and faith communities.”
How do you pay for it?
You are able to pay monthly or yearly, they have subscriptions for one player or Five Players. We went with the five-player since we have four kids.
How do you access the game?
How do you play the game? Great question, I asked the same question. No, it is not currently out for Xbox, but they can play it on a computer, tablet, or smartphone. Which I like because while we’re sitting in the doctor’s office, traveling a long way they can still access it easily. Lightgliders can be played by downloading the desktop app from their website, by downloading the mobile app from Google Play or the App Store, or by downloading the Lightgliders (beta) app from the Amazon App Store. If you’re a kid or a gamer and you want to play, check out the Player User Guide. If you’re a parent or a ministry leader and you want to get your kids started on Lightgliders, check out the Parents Quick-Start Guide.”
Was it worth it?
Our kids are loving it, especially Titus (12) and Timothy (7). I am enjoying them not mindlessly blowing people up or shooting them. When they are done playing it they have not had sassy attitudes or conversations I cringe at. Our family gives Lightgliders 12 thumbs up!